Evolocumab Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jan 6, 2025.

Applies to evolocumab: subcutaneous solution.

Common side effects of evolocumab

Some side effects of evolocumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• back pain
• bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• blurred vision
• body aches or pain
• chills
• cough
• dry mouth
• ear congestion
• flushed, dry skin
• fruit-like breath odor
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• headache
• loss of voice
• muscle aches
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stomach ache
• stuffy or runny nose
• sweating
• trouble breathing
• unexplained weight loss
• vomiting

Less common side effects

• bladder pain
• bloody or cloudy urine
• diarrhea
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• difficulty with moving
• dizziness
• frequent urge to urinate
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• muscle or joint pain
• muscle stiffness
• nervousness
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• pounding in the ears
• slow or fast heartbeat
• swollen joints

Serious side effects of evolocumab

Along with its needed effects, evolocumab may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking evolocumab:

Incidence not known

• difficulty with breathing or swallowing
• fever
• hives, itching, or rash
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
• nausea
• reddening of the skin, especially around the ears
• swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose
• unusual tiredness or weakness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to evolocumab: subcutaneous solution.

General adverse events

The more commonly reported adverse reactions have included nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, back pain, and injection site reactions.

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity reactions (including rash, eczema, erythema, urticaria)
• Postmarketing reports: Angioedema^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, gastroenteritis, nausea (1.8%)^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site reaction (including erythema, pain, bruising)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, myalgia, musculoskeletal pain, arthralgia (1.8%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Neurocognitive events (0.2%)^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Influenza, fatigue (1.6%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Contusion^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Influenza, fatigue (1.6%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Contusion^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Development anti-drug antibody
• Postmarketing reports: Influenza-like illness^[Ref]

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Further information

Evolocumab side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer